Walk Loch Ness 360 : 5 Day Walking/6 Overnights

81 Miles/130 Km

All walking tours should only be tackled if you are a fit walker with well worn in boots and this itinerary involves two stages in excess of 20 miles/32 km. This is a reasonable challenge especially in adverse weather conditions. You will be pleased to see the welcoming sight of Inverness Castle perched on the hill as you reach your destination in the fabulous Highland capital of Inverness.

Day 1

Travel to Inverness

With the option of the bus, train or plane, you arrive into the Highland Capital of Inverness ready to start your challenge!

Day 2

Inverness to Inverfarigaig(20.25 miles/32.25 km)

Starting at Inverness Castle you have a small amount of road walking before heading through the woods of Torbreck. You then cross farmland and up on to a lovely stretch of moorland leading to the forest and down into the picturesque village of Dores on the banks of Loch Ness. A short distance of road walking follows before heading into the woods where you will soon rise to view a spectacular vista of Loch Ness. You will then be warmed up for the traverse over the Fair Haired Lad’s Pass, again with great views before descending all the way down to the tiny village of Inverfarigaig.

Day 3

Inverfarigaig to Fort Augustus(17.25 miles/28 km)

From Inverfarigaig you follow an interesting forest walk which winds its way through the woods into the village of Foyers with the spectacular Falls of Foyers. An easy section then follows through fields and farmland on your way to Whitebridge. The next section is more challenging with a short climb up to the fine viewpoint of Suidhe Chuimein. You then start to gain superb views of Loch Tarff and the surrounding mountains before descending past the loch and then an easy stretch of road walking takes you downhill into Fort Augustus.

Day 4

Fort Augustus to Invermoriston(9.5 miles/15.25 km)

On this short walking day, it is recommended that you leave later and use the morning to explore Fort Augustus and perhaps take a boat trip out onto the loch. Upon departing the village, you start the first real climb but you are rewarded with breathtaking views across Loch Ness on your way to Invermoriston.

Day 5

Invermoriston to Drumnadrochit(14 miles/22.5 km)

A steep climb out of the village through the forest with the chance of spotting some red squirrel and pine marten. More dramatic views are in store as you make your way to the crafting community of Grotaig. A quiet minor road is followed high above Loch Ness before you descend into the bustling village of Drumnadrochit.

Day 6

Drumnadrochit to Inverness(20 miles/32 km)

Another steep climb awaits you not far out of Drumnadrochit but the views of Loch Ness are worth it! You soon pass by the hill crafting community of Abriachan and then the tiny settlement of Blackfold. An enchanting walk through old Caledonian Pine forest leads you to the outskirts of Inverness. A gradual descent takes you onto the Caledonian Canal with a superb finish along Ness Islands and on to the imposing figure of Inverness Castle for the finish.

Extra Nights/Rest Days : many people take an extra night at the stage of Drumnadrochit which offers a range of sightseeing activities from the famous Urquhart Castle to the Loch Ness Exhibition Centre. The capital city of Inverness offers a host of opportunities from a visit to Inverness Museum and Art Gallery, the famous Culloden Battlefield or a boat trip to watch dolphins on the Moray Firth!